INVECPRO

autonomous tractor for airport handling

The project is part of the decarbonisation initiative for both the transport and aerospace sectors, and specifically aligned with the Hydrogen Roadmap. Currently, almost 70% of airport handling operations involve aircraft that could be towed using autonomous electric vehicles — more energy-efficient and remotely assisted during these manoeuvres. In addition, the manufacturing of towing tractors used in these operations is carried out manually across different workstations, depending on the technical profiles required for each vehicle’s assembly, with very limited digitisation and automation in place.

The project is part of the decarbonisation initiative for both the transport and aerospace sectors, and specifically aligned with the Hydrogen Roadmap. Currently, almost 70% of airport handling operations involve aircraft that could be towed using autonomous electric vehicles — more energy-efficient and remotely assisted during these manoeuvres. In addition, the manufacturing of towing tractors used in these operations is carried out manually across different workstations, depending on the technical profiles required for each vehicle’s assembly, with very limited digitisation and automation in place.

Challenges

Develop an airport towing tractor with a capacity of up to 15 tonnes, powered by electric and hydrogen energy

Develop an autonomous driving system for the towing tractor

Digitise the manufacturing process of the towing tractor (real-time information, person/machine workload planning, and work order traceability)

Solution

Development of an innovative electric vehicle for airport use, featuring an extended hydrogen range and capable of towing aircraft up to 150 tonnes. The vehicle will include autonomous drive assistance for handling operations and an IoT platform connecting the entire assembly chain, recording component traceability, and enabling production simulation before manufacturing.